Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis as a rare manifestation of Graves disease

Abstract

The objectve of the study is to present a rare observation of thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis in a Caucasian male. The article presents a clinical observation of 44-year-old man suffering from diffuse toxic goiter. The course of the disease was complicated by the development of attacks of periodic hypokalemic paralysis. The patient was repeatedly hospitalized to the neurological departments of different city hospitals with diagnosis of cerebrovascular disorders. Thyrotoxicosis as the cause of periodic paralysis was diagnosed in five months after the disease onset. Due to the risk of progression of thyrotoxic complications and worsening of neurological pathology, the patient underwent thyroidectomy. There were no complications. Working capacity restored on the 12thday. Attacks of muscle weakness were not observed. Replacement therapy with 100 mg of levothyroxine per day was prescribed. Parameters of potassium, total calcium were normal.Conclusion. A rare observation of genetically determined manifestations of diffuse toxic goiter – a thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis is presented. Surgical treatment allowed to radically cure thyrotoxicosis and to eliminate episodes of paralysis, to return the patient’s workability.

Keywords

• diffuse toxic goiter
• thyrotoxicosis
• periodic paralysis
• hypokalemia
• graves disease